Japan's national team refused to give up easily, rallying to draw with the Netherlands in an exciting 2026 World Cup Group F opener.
The first Group F match of the 2026 World Cup took place on Sunday night, 14 June 2026, at AT&T Stadium, featuring a fierce contest between Japan and the Netherlands.
The first half ended scoreless at 0-0. Early in the second half, at the 51st minute, the Netherlands took the lead 1-0 when Ryan Gravenberch crossed from the right side to the far post, and Virgil van Dijk headed the ball down and off the post into the net.
At the 57th minute, Japan equalized 1-1 as Nakamura struck with his right foot; the ball deflected and changed direction into the goal. However, at the 64th minute, the Netherlands regained the lead 2-1 when Kaysenjo Sommerville curled a left-footed shot into the far post with precision.
The match seemed set to end with this score, but in the 88th minute, Japan leveled again at 2-2 from a right-side corner kick. Goki Okawa headed the ball sharply, which was then redirected by Daiji Kamada who dived to volley it under the crossbar, earning credit for the goal.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Next, the Netherlands will face Sweden, while Japan will play Tunisia on Saturday, 20 June 2026.